The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure has affirmed Parliament’s commitment to improving road safety across the country.

The affirmation came during a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Roads and Transport, which focused on the implementation of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028. This plan was launched on April 17, 2024.

Committee Members John Kiragu (Limuru), Badi Twalib Bady (Jomvu), Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega), and Saney Ibrahim (Wajir North) represented the committee at the meeting.

Addressing the forum, Kiragu praised the Ministry for involving Parliament and other key stakeholders in the deliberations. He emphasized that strong laws alone aren’t enough—implementation and a change in public behavior are also critical.

“Kenya is known for crafting excellent policies,” Kiragu stated, “but without execution, they remain just documents. A lack of basic road courtesy like texting while driving or driving on the wrong side continues to cost lives.”

The Limuru MP referenced the 2023 World Health Organization Global Status Report on Road Safety, which showed a startling fatality rate of 28.3 deaths per 100,000 people in Kenya. This places the country fifth in Africa for road-related deaths.

He highlighted the significant increase in road fatalities, noting that while there were 2,700 deaths in 2010, the number had jumped to 4,748 by 2024, 76% increase, despite global and national commitments to reduce such incidents.

Kiragu also pointed out several legislative efforts already underway. These include a Bill by Naisula Lesuuda, currently being considered by the National Assembly, which seeks to include non-motorized transport infrastructure, such as cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways, in all new and existing roads.

Additionally, the National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Kiragu himself, is under consideration by the committee. This Bill proposes an integrated regulatory framework, separates operators from regulators, and introduces an independent accident investigation body to address the root causes of serious incidents.

“These measures are aligned with the Action Plan’s priority areas, especially on road infrastructure and the development of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework,” said Kiragu.

What Transport CS Davis Chirchir Said

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir called for adequate funding for the roads sector, emphasizing that investments in safer infrastructure, law enforcement, and public education are crucial to reversing the trend of rising fatalities.

“Just as a multiplier in economics amplifies an initial investment, action amplifies the potential of a plan,” he concluded. “Without action, a plan is static but with it, we can save lives and transform our roads.”

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, and private sector players in the transport sector, all united by a shared goal: making Kenyan roads safer for everyone.

Transport Committee at Parliament of Kenya on September 18 2025. PHOTO/ Parliament of Kenya Facebook